down under tour 2017

2017 Tour Down Under

Cycling race / from wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, dear wikiwand ai, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:.

Can you list the top facts and stats about 2017 Tour Down Under?

Summarize this article for a 10 year old

The 2017 Tour Down Under was a road cycling stage race that took place between 17 and 22 January 2017 in and around Adelaide , South Australia . It was the 19th edition of the Tour Down Under and was the first event of the 2017 UCI World Tour . [2] [3]

BMC Racing Team rider Richie Porte won the race for the first time, holding the race lead from the second day onwards following his stage win into Paracombe . Porte added a second stage win   – the queen stage at Willunga Hill   – as he ultimately won the race by 48 seconds ahead of his closest challenger. [4] Orica–Scott 's Esteban Chaves finished in second place, having taken third-place finishes in both of the stages won by Porte; third place on the podium was decided on the final day of the race. [5] Jay McCarthy ( Bora–Hansgrohe ) trailed Nathan Haas of Team Dimension Data by three seconds, but McCarthy was able to win the first intermediate sprint of the day   – offering three bonus seconds towards the general classification   – after a lead-out from world champion teammate Peter Sagan . [6] With McCarthy and Haas finishing tied on time, the final podium position went to McCarthy on countback.

In the race's other classifications, Chaves' Orica–Scott teammate Caleb Ewan won the sprints classification, winning four of the six stages during the race, [7] becoming the third rider to do so after his compatriot Robbie McEwen in 2002 and André Greipel in 2008 , [8] while Thomas De Gendt ( Lotto–Soudal ) won the mountains classification on the final day, [9] taking points on the first climb of Montefiore Hill to assume the lead from Porte. Colombian Jhonatan Restrepo of Team Katusha–Alpecin was the winner of the young rider classification, finishing in tenth place overall, [10] while the teams classification was won by the only non- UCI WorldTeam in the race, UniSA–Australia . [11]

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Powered by Outside

Preview: What you should know about the 2017 Santos Tour Down Under

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

It’s just a couple days now until the 2017 WorldTour begins with the Santos Tour Down Under. For some riders this six-day Australian race is a big target; for others it’s just a solid hit-out to kickstart the new season.

Ahead of the 19th edition of Australia’s biggest race, CyclingTips’ Australian editor Matt de Neef takes a look at the course, the riders to watch and what you need to know before settling in to watch the TDU.

The Santos Tour Down Under comprises a curtain-raiser criterium and six stages.

The Tour Down Under begins this Sunday with the People’s Choice Classic, a 50.6km criterium around the streets of Adelaide. Everyone riding the TDU will take part in the People’s Choice Classic but this criterium doesn’t contribute to the TDU’s general classification.

The six stages of the race proper take place in and around the South Australian capital with riders, team staff and others staying in Adelaide for the duration.

The race’s general classification is likely to be decided on two stages.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the six stages of this year’s TDU:

– Stage 1: Unley to Lyndoch (145km) – Almost certainly one for the sprinters. The parcours is a little lumpy but the stage finishes with a downhill run to the line in Lyndoch.

– Stage 2: Stirling to Paracombe (149km) – The toughest stage of the race. Starts with five laps of the tough and by-now-familiar Stirling circuit. The stage ends with roughly 10km of climbing, including a steep 1.5km ramp to the finish in Paracombe.

– Stage 3: Glenelg to Victor Harbor (144km) – Likely to be another sprint stage thanks to a flat finish in Victor Harbor. Wind could be a factor.

– Stage 4: Norwood to Campbelltown (150km) – Pretty lumpy and features an uphill drag to the line, but it should still be a bunch kick.

– Stage 5: McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill (152km) – The famous Willunga stage. Three laps of a big loop along the beach, then twice up Willunga Hill, finishing at the top.

– Stage 6: Adelaide to Adelaide (90k) – A kermesse-style circuit race around the streets of Adelaide. Another one for the sprinters.

It is the two uphill finishes in this year’s Tour Down Under — stages 2 and 5 — that will create the biggest time gaps and help shape the general classification. It’s worth bearing in mind though that the TDU is often decided by a very small margin — since 2011, only one edition has been decided by more than 10 seconds. Two of those six editions have been decided by two seconds, one by a single second, and one by a countback on stage placings after Simon Gerrans and Alejandro Valverde finished with the same time in 2012.

All of this means that the time bonuses on offer at the end of each stage tend to be vital for those contesting the general classification. As a result, every stage could have an impact on the overall classification, and we’re likely to see the GC contenders vying for bonus seconds (and even intermediate sprints if things get tight).

Stage 2 is the wildcard here – it could be that we see significant time gaps at the end of that stage and that intermediate sprints become less important than normal.

This year’s TDU could have the best startlist we’ve seen in a while.

Il Lombardia winner Esteban Chaves, four-time TDU winner Simon Gerrans, gun sprinter Caleb Ewan — these are just three of the big names that will be in action and this year’s Tour Down Under, and they’re all from the same team (Orica-Scott). Tour de France contender Richie Porte (BMC), former TDU winner Rohan Dennis (BMC) and Paris-Nice winner Geraint Thomas (Sky) will also be there.

It’s a strong line-up, and that’s without considering the biggest drawcard of all: two-time reigning world champion Peter Sagan. In his first race for Bora-Hansgrohe it will be Sagan that attracts much of the crowd’s attention, and rightly so. He’s a genuine superstar of the sport and is unlikely to turn up just to roll around. More on that in a moment.

Simon Gerrans is probably the rider to beat, but he’s got no shortage of competition.

Gerrans is gunning for a fifth Tour Down Under title next week and he’s as good a bet as any to take the overall victory. If it wasn’t already clear from his record, it’s a race that suits him down to the ground — he climbs well enough to be there on the decisive climbs, and his powerful sprint means he can be there for bonus seconds in the fast finishes. He’s also in good form, having won the small-bunch sprint for second at the Australian Road Nationals last weekend, despite having felt out of sorts during the race.

Interestingly, Gerrans isn’t the strongest climber on his team — Esteban Chaves is — nor is he the strongest sprinter — that’s Caleb Ewan. So it’s fair to say Orica-Scott have plenty of cards to play and it will be fascinating to see how they use their resources to best effect.

As mentioned above, stage 2 to Paracombe is likely to be instructive — Orica-Scott have said they have “two quality options in Gerrans and Chaves depending on how the stage is raced”. We’ll have a clearer idea of who the team will be supporting for the Willunga stage by the end of stage 2.

Worth noting: no rider has ever won the Tour Down Under in consecutive years so Gerrans will need to make history to win overall. For the even-more-superstitious: Gerrans’ previous wins at the race have all come in even-numbered years — 2006, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Richie Porte (BMC) has won on Willunga Hill for the past three years and he’s a decent bet to do so again in 2017. This year he’s also got ambitions for the race overall and comes in with a decent chance of achieving that.

Last time the TDU featured two uphill finishes was in 2015 when Porte finished second overall, two seconds behind Rohan Dennis. This time around Dennis is a teammate of Porte’s (and will be riding for Porte) and there’s more climbing before the finish of the Paracombe stage this time around.

Granted, Simon Gerrans wasn’t racing in 2015 when Porte finished second, nor was Esteban Chaves, but still — the terrain of this year’s TDU arguably suits Porte better than any previous edition. And if Porte falters for whatever reason, Rohan Dennis will happily step into his shoes to lead the team (as he did in 2015 when Cadel Evans was BMC’s designated leader and Dennis ended up winning).

Team Sky come into the race with several compelling prospects for the overall title as well. Sergio Henao was third overall last year off the back of a strong performance on Willunga and will likely be in the mix again, particularly with the additional climbing.

Geraint Thomas, too, has finished third overall at the Tour Down Under, after winning a stage in 2013. He’ll likely be in good form as he builds towards his title defence at Paris-Nice, so expect Thomas to be there when it counts.

There are several other riders that are worth considering for the general classification.

Perhaps one of the most interesting prospects for the overall is Canadian Michael Woods (Cannondale-Drapac). The runner-turned-cyclist was one of the stand-out riders in last year’s edition, taking fifth overall after third on the Corkscrew stage and third on the Willunga summit finish. He’s got a massive engine and the shorter climbs of the TDU suit him well. He’s also had another year to get stronger and smarter on the bike which will only put him in good stead.

Woods will need everything to go his way to win the Tour Down Under, but support-wise, he’s got one of the best teams in the race. Former winner Tom-Jelte Slagter, fellow-former-runner-turned-climbing sensation Brendan Canty , Paddy Bevin, Will Clarke — it’s a strong line-up and one that should propel Woods to within sight of the podium.

Nathan Haas (Dimension Data) is another rider that’s aiming high in 2017. He was fifth overall in 2014 as a result of four top-10 finishes and while he’s been some distance off that in the past two years, his form would suggest he’ll perform well again in 2017.

Haas was third in the Aussie Road Nationals road race last Sunday, finishing behind Gerrans in the sprint for second, and should be in the mix in the bunch sprints … assuming the team is riding for him and not Mark Renshaw. Somewhat obviously, Haas’ success in the general classification will depend on how well he climbs on stage 2 and stage 5.

The sprint stages are likely to be a case of Sagan vs Ewan.

Let’s be clear: there are a handful of strong sprinters in the race. Nikias Arndt (Sunweb) won a stage of the Giro d’Italia last year, Paddy Bevin (Cannondale-Drapac) has an impressive kick on his day, the same with Niccolo Bonifazio (Bahrain-Merida), and Mark Renshaw (Dimension Data) took a couple of second places last year. But all things being equal, it should be a battle between Peter Sagan and Caleb Ewan in the four bunch sprints we’re likely to see at the TDU (and at the People’s Choice Classic).

Ewan showed last year that he was a level above the other sprinters in the race, winning the People’s Choice Classic and two stages of the TDU. Even though he now has former IAM rider Roger Kluge as a lead-out man (plus Daryl Impey), he’ll likely find the victories a little tougher to come by in 2017 with Sagan in the mix.

It’s worth noting how Ewan and Sagan have gone in previous sprints, when racing against one another. Considering only sprints in which both finished inside the top 10, Ewan actually leads the better-placing race 2-1. Unsurprisingly, Sagan has better results overall in races they’ve both done, due to his impressive ability to get to the finish on hillier courses.

A couple of things to consider about the Ewan vs Sagan match-up: Irish sprinter Sam Bennett is also racing for Bora-Hansgrohe at the TDU and could be a chance of a stage win if he gets team support. It will be interesting to see how Bora-Hansgrohe approach things. Likewise with Orica-Scott. With Gerrans likely to be in the hunt for bonus seconds for the GC, it will be worth keeping an eye on how the team supports its riders and how those tactics change from day to day.

There are a handful of other riders that will be worth keeping an eye on throughout the race.

Beyond the GC contenders and the sprinters, there’s a whole host of riders that will likely help shape the 2017 Tour Down Under. Here are some of the riders you should keep an eye on.

Cameron Meyer opted out of his Dimension Data contract last year, stepped away from the sport, came back and then achieved his goal of a TDU spot via a strong ride at the Nationals. He’ll provide much needed experience for the UniSA-Australia team and, depending on how things play out, might be in the mix for the GC.

Lachlan Morton (Dimension Data) might be on support duties for Nathan Haas throughout the week, but we can only hope he gets a chance to stretch his legs at some point. He’s one of the most exciting Australian riders to watch, he’s in terrific form, and was very strong at the Aussie Road Nationals last weekend. Could he be a chance on the two uphill finishes?

Jay McCarthy (Bora-hansgrohe) was one of the revelations of last year’s TDU, winning the tough stage to Stirling, wearing the leader’s ochre jersey for a day, and eventually finishing fourth overall. He might be hard-pressed to replicate that result this time around, but you can bet he’ll animate the race in some way.

Rohan Dennis (BMC) has made it clear he’ll be riding in support of Richie Porte at the TDU but, as mentioned, if things don’t go Porte’s way, Dennis will be ready to take up the reins. The 26-year-old South Australian is continuing down his path towards being a GC rider and will likely be hoping for a good overall result in addition to Porte.

Dennis’ teammate Miles Scotson took the Australian road race title last weekend in spectacular fashion and will debut in his green and gold jersey at the TDU. Keep an eye out for the 22-year-old in the bunch — he’ll be on support duties throughout the race (and for most of the season) but is an exciting rider with a huge engine. Who knows what could happen if he’s allowed to get in a breakaway at some point.

Brendan Canty’s rise through the cycling ranks continues apace, as seen in his impressive ( if slightly ill-timed ) move at the Road Nationals last week. As mentioned above, he’ll likely be riding for Michael Woods’ GC ambitions, but it will be fascinating to see how Canty goes in his first WorldTour race when the road tilts upwards.

The race will be broadcast live on TV and streamed online.

The Tour Down Under will again be broadcast by Channel Nine in 2017. There’ll be late-night highlights of the People’s Choice Classic on Sunday, and then every stage of the race will be broadcast live. Stages 1 to 5 will have the last three hours broadcast live, while stage 6 will likely be shown in its entirety.

The race will also be beamed out around the world. For international broadcast details, and for broadcast times in Australia, check out this page on the Tour Down Under website. Livestreaming will also be available via the TDU/Channel Nine website (geoblocking may apply).

Of course, if you can get to the Tour Down Under to watch in person, that’s your best bet. The race is entertaining, the riding is great, and seemingly everyone in Australian cycling descends on Adelaide, turning the week into one giant get-together. CyclingTips is running bunch rides every day throughout the race, as well as a number of other events. We’d love for you to join us !

If you can’t get access to a TV or livestream, you can follow the race on Twitter via the #TDU hashtag.

Who do you think will win the 2017 Santos Tour Down Under? How will they do it? And what other story threads are you expecting to emerge from the week?

Click through for the startlist for the 2017 Santos Tour Down Under . Click through for a preview of the Santos Women’s Tour at Ella CyclingTips . Stay posted to CyclingTips for daily coverage from the TDU.

Popular on Velo

\n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/cycling-sucks-sometimes-what-pogacar-van-der-poel-and-pidcock-said-before-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"so fast it out-paced the order book: decathlon\u2019s van rysel super-bike sells out in hours","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/so-fast-it-out-paced-the-order-book-decathlons-van-rysel-super-bike-sells-out-in-hours\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/so-fast-it-out-paced-the-order-book-decathlons-van-rysel-super-bike-sells-out-in-hours\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"so fast it out-paced the order book: decathlon\u2019s van rysel super-bike sells out in hours\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/so-fast-it-out-paced-the-order-book-decathlons-van-rysel-super-bike-sells-out-in-hours\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"so fast it out-paced the order book: decathlon\u2019s van rysel super-bike sells out in hours\"}}\u0027>\n so fast it out-paced the order book: decathlon\u2019s van rysel super-bike sells out in hours\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\"}}\u0027>\n the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\"}}\u0027>\n xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018hard miles\u2019 wants to be the first great bicycling movie since \u2018breaking away\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/hard-miles-wants-to-be-the-first-great-bicycling-movie-since-breaking-away\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/hard-miles-wants-to-be-the-first-great-bicycling-movie-since-breaking-away\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018hard miles\u2019 wants to be the first great bicycling movie since \u2018breaking away\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/hard-miles-wants-to-be-the-first-great-bicycling-movie-since-breaking-away\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018hard miles\u2019 wants to be the first great bicycling movie since \u2018breaking away\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018hard miles\u2019 wants to be the first great bicycling movie since \u2018breaking away\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/6-best-bikepacking-routes-usa\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/6-best-bikepacking-routes-usa\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/6-best-bikepacking-routes-usa\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us\"}}\u0027>\n the 6 best bikepacking routes in the us\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/kona-bikes-bails-on-sea-otter-classic-with-no-explanation\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/kona-bikes-bails-on-sea-otter-classic-with-no-explanation\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/kona-bikes-bails-on-sea-otter-classic-with-no-explanation\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\"}}\u0027>\n kona bikes bails on sea otter classic with no explanation\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/haro-buzzard-rivette-road-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\"}}\u0027>\n haro bikes is set to release a new race road bike and gravel bike. wait, what\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"deep freeze at fl\u00e8che wallonne: shivering skjelmose carried off bike with hypothermia","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/shivering-skjelmose-carried-off-bike-in-winter-like-conditions-at-fleche-wallonne\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/shivering-skjelmose-carried-off-bike-in-winter-like-conditions-at-fleche-wallonne\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"deep freeze at fl\u00e8che wallonne: shivering skjelmose carried off bike with hypothermia\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/shivering-skjelmose-carried-off-bike-in-winter-like-conditions-at-fleche-wallonne\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"deep freeze at fl\u00e8che wallonne: shivering skjelmose carried off bike with hypothermia\"}}\u0027>\n deep freeze at fl\u00e8che wallonne: shivering skjelmose carried off bike with hypothermia\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/ride-the-rockies-canceled-due-to-low-registration-future-uncertain\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\"}}\u0027>\n ride the rockies canceled for 2024, future uncertain\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"are time pedals back from the dead","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/time-pedals-lineup-refresh-sea-otter-classic-2024\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/time-pedals-lineup-refresh-sea-otter-classic-2024\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"are time pedals back from the dead\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/time-pedals-lineup-refresh-sea-otter-classic-2024\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"are time pedals back from the dead\"}}\u0027>\n are time pedals back from the dead\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/fuego-xl-sea-otter-results\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n results: keegan swenson and sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e win the fuego xl at sea otter classic\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-limited-edition-saddle-updated-ritte-salsa-e-bike-and-more\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-limited-edition-saddle-updated-ritte-salsa-e-bike-and-more\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-limited-edition-saddle-updated-ritte-salsa-e-bike-and-more\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more\"}}\u0027>\n sea otter randoms: limited edition saddle, updated ritte, salsa e-bike and more\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"new titanium brand chandi brings decades of frame building experience to its beautiful bikes","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/new-titanium-brand-chandi-brings-decades-of-frame-building-experience-to-its-beautiful-bikes\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/new-titanium-brand-chandi-brings-decades-of-frame-building-experience-to-its-beautiful-bikes\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"new titanium brand chandi brings decades of frame building experience to its beautiful bikes\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/new-titanium-brand-chandi-brings-decades-of-frame-building-experience-to-its-beautiful-bikes\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"new titanium brand chandi brings decades of frame building experience to its beautiful bikes\"}}\u0027>\n new titanium brand chandi brings decades of frame building experience to its beautiful bikes\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\"}}\u0027>\n the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/breaking-ncl-shutting-down-immediately\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/breaking-ncl-shutting-down-immediately\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/breaking-ncl-shutting-down-immediately\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n breaking: ncl pulling plug on 2024 season \u2018effective immediately\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/trek-carback-radar-rear-bike-light-challenges-garmin\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/trek-carback-radar-rear-bike-light-challenges-garmin\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/trek-carback-radar-rear-bike-light-challenges-garmin\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility\"}}\u0027>\n trek launches carback radar rear bike light with 2 km daytime visibility\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/liege-bastogne-liege-showdown-can-van-der-poel-answer-when-pogacar-attacks\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/liege-bastogne-liege-showdown-can-van-der-poel-answer-when-pogacar-attacks\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/liege-bastogne-liege-showdown-can-van-der-poel-answer-when-pogacar-attacks\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown\"}}\u0027>\n poga\u010dar vs. van der poel: li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge set for epic showdown\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

• Privacy Settings
• Action Cams
• Drone Reviews
• Google (Pixel Watch)
• Power Meters
• Wahoo Fitness
• Weight Scales
• Everything Else…
• Best GPS Watches Buyers Guide
• Best Bike GPS & Cycling Tech Buyers Guide
• Bike Smart Trainers Guide
• Smart Trainer App Guide
• DCR Sports Gear I Use List (2023)
• The Girl’s Sports Gear I Use List (2023)
• Photography Gear I Use
• Baby/Child Gear We Use
• How-To Guides & Tips
• Race Reports
• Paris Swim/Bike/Run Resources
• Paris Restaurants (DCR Favs!)
• A Brief Note On…
• ORICA-SCOTT
• BORA – hansgrohe
• BMC RACING TEAM
• TEAM SUNWEB
• TEAM DIMENSION DATA
• LOTTO-SOUDAL
• CANNONDALE-DRAPAC PRO CYCLING TEAM
• BAHRAIN MERIDA PRO CYCLING…
• AG2R LA MONDIALE
• ASTANA PRO TEAM
• KATUSHA-ALPECIN
• FDJ Cycling Team
• MOVISTAR TEAM
• QUICK-STEP FLOORS
• TEAM LOTTO NL-JUMBO
• UAE ABU DHABI
• TREK-SEGAFREDO
• TEAM UNISA-AUSTRALIA
• Discussion (64)

Tour Down Under 2017: Sports Tech Gear Of the Pro Men

After the women’s debut on Saturday , it was time for the men to make their entrance on Sunday at the People’s Choice criterium.  This would be the first men’s race of the Tour Down Under, though it’s technically a separate event from the rest of the 6-stage tour.  Like an appetizer dish that somehow doesn’t count against your tab.

It’s also the first opportunity to take inventory of the gear of the pro men.  Like with the ladies, I’m mainly focused on sports tech goodness, more than bike frames and wheels and such.  Those areas are just a bit outside my focus.  However, I’ve included whole-bike pics in virtually all team sections, so it makes it pretty easy to identify those parts.

This year we’ve got a few little new tidbits in the mix – including a totally unseen before bike computer. Heck, there’s still nothing about it on the manufacturer’s website, and only a single line in a generic press release.  But more on that down below!

A Brief Note On Sponsorships:

It’s important to remember that in almost every case below, the power meter brands are sponsoring either teams or individual athletes.  Same goes for shifting technologies.  About the only exception are head units, though even some of those are sponsored (i.e. via SRM or Pioneer deals for power meters, head units come along).

Given the very nature of sponsorship is showing off one’s brand for payment (or free equipment), it shouldn’t be assumed that any product is inherently ‘better’ because a WorldTour team is riding it.  Instead, it’s just there because they were paid to ride it.  You’ll see power meter brands change year after year with the wind (or the payment as it may be).  You’ll also see cases where a brand may be sponsoring a team, but the team isn’t actually riding the commercially available product.  For example – Team Sky largely rides a dual left/right Stages setup (and has done so for years), a product that is not available for purchase to consumers (nor has any timetable been stated for if they’ll ever make it available).

The point being – look at these products as “Oh, that’s interesting”, more than “Oh, I should immediately go out and buy this product because X rider is on it.” Make sense?  Good.

We’ll get right into things.  Note that as with the women’s teams, there are occasions where not all riders will be on the same exact config, especially in power meters and bike computers.  Bike frames, of course, are almost always identical due to team sponsorships, but bike computers aren’t often covered by team sponsorships.

Also, in some cases (such as FDJ), there are prototype products in use, in which case only a single rider or two may be using that – and in some cases only for just a day or two.  Meaning that while this list may be valid for Day 1 of the Tour Down Under, there are numerous examples where a team might sneak in a prototype product on just a single rider on Day 3 or Day 5.  That’s often the case in the Tour de France where you’ll see companies trial prototype products in the last week or so of the race, partially to re-ignite media interest, and partially because it may not impact the standings any longer.

Note that teams are simply listed in the order (and spelling/capitalization) of the official media program.

ORICA-SCOTT:

Power Meters: SRM Head units: SRM (mostly PC8, but not all) Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

Notable: This was the only team that I saw an action cam on for this race day.  Usually though, teams will alternate riders having action cams on, on differing days.  Also, I could see how some teams probably wouldn’t have bothered for the People’s Choice crit, given the low-light at dusk would likely have produced less than ideal videos.

BORA – hansgrohe:

Power Meters: 4iiii Precision (dual left/right) Head units: Garmin Edge series Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

BMC RACING TEAM:

Power Meters: SRM Head units: SRM PC8 Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

TEAM SUNWEB:

Power Meters: Pioneer Head units: Giant NeosTrack Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

So the Giant head unit is definitely new.  Or, sorta new at least.  Finding any mention of it is virtually impossible, save for a single line in a team press release a few weeks ago.  Upon asking the Giant folks at the Tour Down Under exhibition, they simply smiled and said more information will be out later this year.

The team’s sponsorship press release had noted:

“Team Sunweb riders are using Giant’s next-generation computer, which offers both navigation and training functions. Compatible with all training accessories, including power meters, heartrate straps, speed/cadence sensors, and smart trainers, it offers everything a pro racer needs. And its Shimano Di2 function shows real-time gearing ratios and combinations as well as battery levels. The latest NeosTrack GPS computer will be commercially available later this year.”

However, it doesn’t appear we’ll need to wait that long.  As by every appearance, the unit looks simply to be a rebranded Bryton 530 bike computer .  You can see the external shell is identical, as are the buttons and even the button labels are virtually the same.  We occasionally see teams make or re-brand versions for the pro team itself, to minimize sponsorship conflicts.  But given the note in the press release about an actual product vs just a team re-brand, it looks like we’ll see something, probably launched at Eurobike or Interbike.  With Giant’s massive global distribution (the biggest in the bike biz), this move could work well for Bryton.

Power Meters: Stages power (single-leg  and dual leg variant) Head units: Garmin Edge 820 Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

We continue to see Stages test out dual leg variants on some Team Sky bikes.  The right drive-side pods do seem a bit more polished than in years past, making them even more difficult to spot.  I was only able to get a barely functional shot of one while one of the mechanics worked on the bike during the rest day.  Even though, it’s super hard to pick out these days.

Finally, it’s notable that none of the riders were using the Wahoo ELEMNT, and all were using Garmin Edge 820’s.  That’s because the sponsorship deal only includes the Wahoo KICKR, and not head units (or even heart rate straps this year).  As the team was using the Garmin HRM straps that came bundled with the Garmin Edge 820 bundles.  Just goes to show you how fickle and exacting that Pro team sponsorships can be.

TEAM DIMENSION DATA:

Power Meters: ROTOR 2INPower Head units: Garmin Edge series, one person using Pioneer head unit. Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

LOTTO-SOUDAL:

Power Meters: SRM Head units: SRM PC8 Shifting: Campagnolo EPS Electronic Shifting

CANNONDALE-DRAPAC PRO CYCLING TEAM:

Power Meters: SRM Head units: Garmin Edge Series Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

BAHRAIN MERIDA PRO CYCLING TEAM:

Funny tidbit: While grabbing the above shots on Bahrain Merida, pro rider Janez Brajkovic shouted out to take the shots on his bike instead.  Turns out he’s an avid DCR reader (and definite sports tech geek).  He was using the Mio Fuse as his (optical) heart rate sensor, which broadcasts to his SRM head unit.  He’s found it very accurate compared to a chest strap, which matches what I found as well.  Mio’s Philips powered sensor and Valencell are among the best out there in the optical game.

AG2R LA MONDIALE:

ASTANA PRO TEAM:

Power Meters: Power2Max Head units: Garmin Edge 820 Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

KATUSHA-ALPECIN:

Power Meters: Quarq Head units: Garmin Edge Series (mostly Edge 520) Shifting: SRAM RED eTAP Wireless Electronic Shifting

FDJ Cycling Team:

Power Meters: SRM, except 2 riders on prototype Shimano power meters Head units: Garmin Edge 1000 & SRM Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

There were a few interesting tidbits here.  First of course is the continued use of prototype Shimano power meters .  Since FDJ is sponsored by Shimano, that sponsorship is overriding the previous SRM sponsorship.  At the Tour de France last year we saw two riders also riding the prototype Shimano power meter, so I was somewhat expecting to see more riding it here.  Shimano has been targeting a Spring 2017 release timeframe for that unit, but it’s simply too early to tell if they are close or not.  The unit is looking much more refined than it has been in the past though.

Second, I found it interesting that a handful of the riders were equipped with SRM power meters, but no head unit to capture that data.  Meaning, it wasn’t just a case of the head unit not being installed at the time of the photo, but rather there was no mount whatsoever on the bike.  My guess is they were tossing it in the jersey pocket for such a short race, but I wondered if that was more indicative of a coaching style thing than a rider preference (given multiple rider-specific bikes were lacking them).  I’ll be curious to see the rest of the week if the head units make an appearance for the longer stages.

MOVISTAR TEAM:

Power Meters: Power2Max Head units: Garmin Edge (blend of units, mostly 510/520 series) Shifting: Campagnolo EPS Electronic Shifting

QUICK-STEP FLOORS:

Power Meters: 4iiii Precision (dual left/right) Head units: Mostly Edge 520 Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

TEAM LOTTO NL-JUMBO:

Power Meters: Pioneer Head units: Pioneer Shifting: Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

UAE ABU DHABI:

Power Meters: Power2Max Head units: Garmin Edge Series (mostly Edge 520) Shifting: Campagnolo EPS Electronic Shifting

TREK-SEGAFREDO:

Power Meters: Some SRM, but also some bikes with none at all. Head units: SRM PC8, even when no power meter is used Shifting: Shimano Di2 electronic shifting

TEAM UNISA-AUSTRALIA:

Power Meters: Everything. One Quarq, one SRM, some Verve Infocrank Head units: Mostly Garmin Edge series. Shifting: Mixed. Mostly Shimano, a blend of both electronic (Di2) and mechanical.

Of note here though is that this appears to be the only team doing a streaming data solution for all their riders.  They’ve paired up with Satalyst , and are streaming all rider data live to a website (including sensor data).  I’ll have more on that piece tomorrow – so hang tight!

For the most part, these units will stand as the power meters of record on these teams for the remainder of the season.  Sometimes you might see some minor fluctuations around the April-May timeframe, if new models come out (i.e. in the past ROTOR introduced new models then, and pro teams moved over to them by June-ish).  But otherwise, this should be considered final for the 2017 season.  The only other exception to this would be I’d expect that those with complete Shimano sponsorships will shift over to Shimano power meters by the grand tours (late spring).

Though the details of those agreements aren’t usually known (or heck, in some cases, decided).  So we probably won’t know till we see it on a bike.

With that – thanks for reading!

Stay tuned for more Tour Down Under goodness!  And if you missed the women’s tech round-up, be sure to catch that here .

FOUND THIS POST USEFUL? SUPPORT THE SITE!

Hopefully, you found this post useful. The website is really a labor of love, so please consider becoming a DC RAINMAKER Supporter . This gets you an ad-free experience, and access to our (mostly) bi-monthly behind-the-scenes video series of “ Shed Talkin’ ”.

Support DCRainMaker - Shop on Amazon

Otherwise, perhaps consider using the below link if shopping on Amazon . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases help support this website a lot. It could simply be buying toilet paper , or this pizza oven we use and love.

Related Posts

Post a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked. If you would like a profile picture, simply register at Gravatar , which works here on DCR and across the web.

Comment -->

Subscribe me to the newsletter

I would like to support DCR and enjoy ad-free DC Rainmaker ($20 per year).

 Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Click here to Subscribe without commenting

Add a picture

64 Comments

Great wrap-up, Ray. I spotted The Girl with Peanut getting off the tram at the Tour Village yesterday afternoon. You were probably busy capturing all of these photos at the time. I hope you enjoy the TDU & the rest of your time in Australia.

Awesome! Yup, she took the train in and met me down there. Good times!

Great work as always, although somehow an apostrophe crept into “sponsorships”!

That’s because this time, the word Sponsorships was sponsored by Apostrophe. Had to fit it in somewhere…

What crank is on the Lotto Soudal Ridley? looks like a custom crank on an old 5 bolt SRM. Is it an Adam Hansen special?

Saw that! It looks like a Lightening crank, or a stripped down Sworks crankset.

Also Bahrain had the THM M3 SRM units! By far the best weightxstiffness ratio in the pro tour: link to blog.fairwheelbikes.com

Definitely a Lightening crank, but with no markings and a matte finish. You can see it neck down towards the pedal end. S-works cranks are more bulbous and don’t neck down there.

Nice write up.

It seems like Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting and SRM Powermeter and Garmin Edge are mostly the choice of the pros.

Just to understand something, I see that many riders still use Garmin Edge 520 or 1000, why wouldn’t they just upgrade to Garmin 820 which is the better solution. Is it a budget issue or what ?

I hate to break the illusion but the only choice the pros are making is between using the kit their sponsor gives them and finding a different job. Electronic shifting seems popular because it’s being pushed for marketing reasons 🙂

Having ridden both Ultegra versions, I’ll take electronic over mechanical any day.

It seems like in many cases, the head unit a rider uses is really just a function of what they bought themselves. Very little commonality except in cases where a sponsor is involved (SRM, Pioneer), or in Team Sky’s case (buying Edge 820’s), where the only logical explanation I can see there is just sending a peculiar message to Wahoo (since Wahoo undoubtedly would have given them ELEMNT’s for free). Either way, just weird to go out and straight-up buy a team’s worth of 820’s versus using one of your sponsors.

But shrug…such is the oddities of team sponsorships.

Why the mapping version, and not the 520? Did they say? Are they actually going to put courses/routes on it and use the maps?

Yes that’s understandable however what I don’t understand is, if the team is already using say Garmin Edge 520 or Edge 1000’s, why don’t they upgrade to Edge 820 since they are already using Garmin anyway.

The 820 is not an upgrade to the 1000, 1000 is still top of the line. A reason for staying on the 520 might be that the 820 is still very unreliable.

I think it’s honestly just as simple as most Pro Tour teams simply don’t care about head units, as long as their athletes get the data they want – and coaches get the data from the athlete. Hence why you generally see a pretty even blend of Garmin Edge 510/520’s, and some 810/820/1000’s. The 510/520’s are more popular just because they’re smaller.

The 820’s are still honestly pretty new, and depending on where the athlete comes from – if they’re paying for it themselves – then it’s still super pricey. Plus, for most of these guys there’s little reason to ‘upgrade’ a 520 to an 820 (heck, I’d not really bother upgrading one in most cases).

Dave, I find it odd, not odd but interesting, that they are all using Electronic set ups. Not a single mechanical set up. I get the sponsorship drives what the riders use but I think they can use mechanical as opposed to electronic if they choose? At least that what seemed to have been the option over the last few years. @ Chris Pollett: I’m having such a hard time deciding which electronic group to go with… Sigh. 1st world problems. Maybe I’ll just stick with my mechanical RED.

Generally sponsorship would specify a specific product. They want to demonstrate that electronic and/or wireless systems are perfectly function for pros at the most important races in the world.

As for a group-set, for installation purposes alone, I’d recommend eTAP. Just figuring out all the right parts you need on Di2 is a mess. Let alone the cabling aspect of Di2 that doesn’t occur with eTAP.

As to the missing head units at FDJ, yesterday Fred Grappe twittered the following:

“Les sensations doivent s’exprimer avant tout. Pas de…watts pour extriper le meilleur du pacing…@EquipeFDJ”

Means it is on purpose. FDJ’s riders are supposed to pace themselfs based on their own sensation.

A few things pop out of your analysis Ray.

Firstly, the predominant power meter is SRM in the pro peleton, but you never see one in the wild. Is this due to better accuracy, or sponsorship legacy over years and years?

Secondly, two big power meter players, Garmin and Powertap have no presence in the pro peleton, could that be because its pedal based?

Finally, no FSA shifting, or is it not ready yet?

Interesting stuff as always Ray

Why would the popular systems need to advertise them? Garmin power sells by default because they are the dominant computer. Power tap are the best mix of good and cheap, and have the blessing of Ray and other bloggers. Seeing systems here that you don’t see in the wild is why you see them here – they need to push their image! It’s not like the cyclists or teams are choosing this stuff.

Agree with Dave.

For PowerTap, there’s zero reason to deal with the expense/hassle of a pro team. They’re well established, well known, well everything.

For Garmin, they’ve done the Pro team thing before, and it hasn’t done as well in the pro ranks because of the challenges of moving it between bikes. Not that it matters much, distribution in every bike shop means they sell a ton anyway.

For FSA, that’s probably in the same camp as Shimano power meters of readiness – we’ll likely see wider deployment later in the season.

On SRM, it’s just sponsorship. They keep (or occasionally) claiming they don’t sponsor anything, yet we all know that’s not true. You don’t get your logo on the side of team vans/etc for no reason. I think it’s mostly just a move to stay visible at this point. They’re no more accurate than a Power2Max or most other major brands.

On SRM, as you’ve said, they must be “sponsoring ” all these teams. In essence, the high prices they are charging for their products are how they do it. Their consumers are subsidizing giving srms to most of the teams. Kind of a strange business model.

Interesting stuff. Please more details on the CANNONDALE-DRAPAC PRO CYCLING TEAM. The photo shows FSA chainrings (instead of Cannondales own chainrings?), still they use Shimano Di2 and not K-FORCE WE. Does the wireless electronic drive train of FSA (ANT+) appear somewhere in the pro peloton? Thanks for answering and enjoy yourself in the warm Down Under.

Krgds Edwin

I’ll dig around tomorrow and see if I see any variances between bikes. But I didn’t see WE anywhere out there.

Cannondales own chainrings (Spidering) are not comaptible with crank-based powermeters such as SRM (they are direct-mount types that is fitted straight on to the axle). So you have to fit them with standard chainrings if you use a crank-based powermeter.

I have the ‘SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod Team 2016’ bike with the Spidering which I bought it April 2016, I was also thinking of the SRM power meters but due to Spidering issue , I bought a Garmin Vector 2 Pedal Based power meter instead.

The biggest question mark for me by then was, why wouldn’t Cannondale Pro Team use it’s own Spiderings, is it because of the SRM Power meters compability ? I mean, are SRM power meters so good that Cannondale Pro Team don’t use its own Spiderings and a Pedal Based power meter ?

What do you all think ?

Team Cannondale has a sponsorship with FSA, which is why they don’t use spiderrings.

link to slipstreamsports.com

Really surprised to see only one team using SRAM eTap. Does Shimano have a lock on majority of teams or is it something else?

Thanks for the write-up as always!

It was hard to tell from some of the photos, but I didn’t see any teams running disc brakes? I know the UCI is allowing it (with Sagan saying he might use it for the race). Was just curious if you saw any teams definitely giving disc brakes a try?

Giant Neostrack is re-branded Bryton Rider 530.

Source? or is this just rumor

It matches that I’m hearing.

But no need to hear anything honestly. Just look at the units, they’re identical.

nobody uses the POWERPOD?

On the Cannondale-Drapac bike, is that a longer cage (& larger idler wheels) or just some sort of optical illusion?

I think they are using this product.

link to ceramicspeed.com

Dude, I don’t care …. at all. I could care less about what these guys use. I’d rather those CES updates.

Please give us useful posts, not this silliness. Reading this article was a waste of time.

Strongly disagree, please keep it coming Ray.

Why would he report on CES, weeks after CES, when he’s in Aus with his family, reporting on the race that he is attending? Literally nobody else is covering these details and to the rest of us looking for secret prototype stuff it’s super interesting. CES is all vaporware that never actually gets released. Equipment shown at these stage races by rule has to be production items. Different reporting for different products. Feel free to start your own tech blog.

So you’re saying that you do care then? I could care less means that you care, as there is a layer of caring below your caring for this particular thing. You either “couldn’t care less”, as in, there is no possible way you could care less about the thing you are talking about, or “I could care less, BUT, I would then be dead”. There needs to be something at the end of the sentence to clarify how you could care less. Oh, and Ray, love this kind of stuff. Keep it coming.

Well, hopefully I can appease both.

I have both more CES-related goodness still to pop out (mostly things that haven’t oddly been covered anywhere else, as far as I can tell – or covered that much).

And I’ve still got some TDU stuff as well (tech focused especially, but just some general goodness).

Only a few thousands TDU photos to sift through first…

I so wanted to say that Matt. Not sure how many times I see and hear people say “could care less….” It’s “couldn’t care less.” Drives me bonkers….. So thanks for saying it. Yes Ray, keep it coming. If you happen to see anything wheel wise, tubeless set ups, odd food items cycling related or not cycling related and the new single ring up front the pros are surely using due to the trickle down…. let us know:-)

Not sure that’s a tone appreciated here. I for one love this coverage.

As for the coverage, Ray, you have to give SRM some love just for the partnership with THM!

Where are the pedal based power meters? Are they for amateurs only?

Nope, as noted above: It’s as simple as no pedal company wanting to spend the money. PowerTap has repeatedly stated in the past they get virtually no benefit these days from sponsoring a WorldTour team. BePro likely doesn’t have that kinda cash. Polar’s essentially out of the game. Look did some stuff last year, but likely can’t justify the cash outlay. And that’s about it.

I feel like pedals are just too exposed in a race environment where there is a high likelihood of a crash. For me I’d much rather have my PM safely tucked away in the crank and leave my easily replaced pedals free to grind along the tarmac when it all hits the fan.

These are just my feelings and as Ray says, there are other more convincing reasons (financial) for not seeing them in the pro-peloton!

Italian pro-continental team Bardiani CSF uses BePro pedals. They’re no World Tour team so you won’t see them in Tour Down Under though.

Well even when Garmin was a team sponsor, Slipstream didn’t use their pedals, most of them were on SRM’s. Pro teams have always shown a willingness to use innovative products without a sponsorship agreement (Lightweight wheels, SRM, Castelli Gabba, Powertaps back in the day, Garmin head units, etc), but there isn’t really a reason to use a pedal based power meter over a crank based one, unless you have an injury.

I have the P1 pedals on a bike, and its great data, but the pedals are REALLY bulky and heavy to put on a pro-tour race bike.

BTW, I love this article. Keep it coming Ray. CES was a snoozefest this year. F^$k the haters.

I sometimes wonder if Garmin stopped primary sponsorship because the riders refused to use the Vector pedals. Some guys used them, some refused.

There were one or two riders that refused, but that’s because they had existing individual sponsorship deals that inexplicably overrode the team deal. One was for a power meter I believe, and the other pedals. I have the old email from Garmin PR about it somewhere. From a business standpoint, kinda mind boggling.

If you were wondering why there is such a variety of equipment used by the Team Uni SA-Australia’s riders, that’s because they’re a wildcard team with special dispensation from the UCI to compete. They are not a regular full time team like all the others and come together just for the Tour Down Under.

Yeah, had a good chat with the Team Manager/Director today about it. All their guys purchase their own power meters.

On the flip side, they are doing cool data live tracking – and they’re the only team doing it. That’s coming up in a post tomorrow.

Any chance we’ll see a review of the 4iiii dual sided power meter soon? 🙂

I know you did a short test on the prototype back in 2015.

I signed for that too. I would love it.

Yup! I’ve got data done, pics done…just need some writing/analyzing time!

I read that orica Scott were going to be using some continuous auto chain lube system. It looked kinda crappy to be honest. Did you notice if they actually had the units on the bikes?

Just like Janez Brajkovic, I too own and use a Mio Fuse. I caught it on an Amazon scratch and dent deal for $33 (there was no damage, just open box)!

I find it very accurate and much more comfortable than a chest strap. My biggest complaint is that it is not very powerful in terms of broadcasting ant+. It’s typically fine going to my watch and/or head-unit, but riding my trainer I get constant heart rate dropouts (even though the trainer is way farther away from my ant+ stick/computer I very rarely get power dropouts).

Try to move it a cm or two towards elbow. Much more consistent readings

Thanks jb, but consistency isn’t the issue. It is putting out the correct hr value, just not broadcasting it powerfully enough. If I recorded my trainer session on my watch (which is worn on right wrist, mio on left) the hr displays and records just fine. The dropouts still occur however on my computer (tested using zwift and trainerroad). Unless there is some other factor I am not considering, it seems that the ability for the unit to broadcast hr is a bit weak. Although this doesn’t have any effect during normal training/racing conditions for most people.

Hey DC, I guess it might be worth mentioning that Movistar is the only team using Power2max NG units. All the other teams with power2max units are still on Type-S.

Thanks, Ray! Will you be doing an in depth review of Rotor 2INPower? I wanted to include them as possible option, but as with most of your readers, I want to see your expert analysis first!

Never heard of the Bryton GPS computers, although it does seem like a promising GPS computer from the link (of their site), does this mean we are seeing a Bryton computer review soon?

A little late comment perhaps but Orica Scott have their own YouTube channel. That’s probably why the camera was there: Jonesy was making Backstage Pass videos for all the Australian races (men’s and women’s).

I’m not allowed to add the link probably so just search YouTube for Orica Scott or GreenEdgeCycling.

• Twitter Facebook Strava YouTube Instagram RSS

I’m DC RAINMAKER…

I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.

You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!

Here’s how to save!

Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.

With TPC (The Pro's Closet), you'll save $40 on purchases over $200 with coupon code DCRAIN40 for tech and non-tech purchases!

Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!

Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!

Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!

Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!

Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit , which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!

Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!

FAQ’s

I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.

• Do you have a privacy policy posted?
• Why haven’t you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
• Will you test our product before release?
• Are you willing to review or test beta products?
• Which trainer should I buy?
• Which GPS watch should I buy?
• I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
• I’m headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
• I’m from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what’s the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
• What kind of camera do you use?

View Them All Here →

5 Easy Steps To The Site

In Depth Product Reviews

You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget.  If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my  in-depth reviews section .  Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos!  I aim to leave no stone unturned.

Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.

Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here , and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here , all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there.  Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day?  I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list , from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things).  And to compliment that, here’s  The Girl’s (my wife’s) list . Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!

Have some fun in the travel section.

I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.

My Photography Gear: The Cameras and Equipment I Use Daily

The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “ My Photography Gear ” post for your curious minds! It’s a nice break from the day to day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!

The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List

Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list . But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• La Vuelta ciclista a España
• World Championships
• Amstel Gold Race
• Milano-Sanremo
• Tirreno-Adriatico
• Liège-Bastogne-Liège
• Il Lombardia
• La Flèche Wallonne
• Paris - Nice
• Paris-Roubaix
• Volta Ciclista a Catalunya
• Critérium du Dauphiné
• Tour des Flandres
• Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields
• Clásica Ciclista San Sebastián
• INEOS Grenadiers
• Groupama - FDJ
• EF Education-EasyPost
• Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team
• BORA - hansgrohe
• Bahrain - Victorious
• Astana Qazaqstan Team
• Intermarché - Wanty
• Lidl - Trek
• Movistar Team
• Soudal - Quick Step
• Team dsm-firmenich PostNL
• Team Jayco AlUla
• Team Visma | Lease a Bike
• UAE Team Emirates
• Arkéa - B&B Hotels
• Alpecin-Deceuninck
• Grand tours
• Countdown to 3 billion pageviews
• Favorite500
• Profile Score
• Top-3 per edition
• Most starts/finishes
• Youngest/oldest winners
• Most top-10s
• Position race ranking
• Most stage wins
• Youngest winners
• Oldest winners
• Fastest stages
• Statistics - Statistics
• Results - Results
• Stages - Stages
• Teams - Teams
• Nations - Nations
• Route - Route
• Points - Points

Tour Down Under

•   »  
• Total editions: 26
• Country: Australia
• First edition: 1999

• www.tourdownunder.com.au
• www.twitter.com/tourdownunder
• www.facebook.com/tourdownunder

Last winners

• 2024 WILLIAMS Stephen
• 2023 VINE Jay
• 2020 PORTE Richie
• 2019 IMPEY Daryl
• 2018 IMPEY Daryl
• 2017 PORTE Richie
• 2016 GERRANS Simon
• 2015 DENNIS Rohan
• 2014 GERRANS Simon
• 2013 SLAGTER Tom-Jelte

Name history

• 2010-2024 Santos Tour Down Under
• 2001-2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
• 1999-2009 Tour Down Under

Position on calendar

• 1 GERRANS Simon 4
• 2 PORTE Richie 2
• 3 IMPEY Daryl 2
• 4 GREIPEL André 2
• 5 O'GRADY Stuart 2
• 6 WILLIAMS Stephen 1
• 7 VINE Jay 1
• 8 DENNIS Rohan 1
• 9 SLAGTER Tom-Jelte 1
• 10 MEYER Cameron 1
• 1 GREIPEL André 18
• 2 MCEWEN Robbie 12
• 3 EWAN Caleb 9
• 4 PORTE Richie 8
• 5 DAVIS Allan 6
• 6 GERRANS Simon 5
• 7 COOKE Baden 4
• 8 WELSFORD Sam 3
• 9 BROWN Graeme Allen 3
• 10 ZABEL Erik 3

Grand Tours

• Vuelta a España

Major Tours

• Volta a Catalunya
• Tour de Romandie
• Tour de Suisse
• Itzulia Basque Country
• Milano-SanRemo
• Ronde van Vlaanderen

Championships

• European championships

Top classics

• Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
• Strade Bianche
• Gent-Wevelgem
• Dwars door vlaanderen
• Eschborn-Frankfurt
• San Sebastian
• Bretagne Classic
• GP Montréal

Popular riders

• Tadej Pogačar
• Wout van Aert
• Remco Evenepoel
• Jonas Vingegaard
• Mathieu van der Poel
• Mads Pedersen
• Primoz Roglic
• Demi Vollering
• Lotte Kopecky
• Katarzyna Niewiadoma
• PCS ranking
• UCI World Ranking
• Points per age
• Latest injuries
• Youngest riders
• Grand tour statistics
• Monument classics
• Latest transfers
• Favorite 500
• Points scales
• Profile scores
• Reset password
• Cookie consent

About ProCyclingStats

• Cookie policy
• Contributions
• Pageload 0.0263s

Tour Down Under 2017 Route stage 4: Norwood - Campbelltown

The 2014 Tour Down Under featured a Norwood-Campbelltown stage, although that route was tougher with a climb up Corkscrew Road in the finale. This time no punchers finale, but a route that’s going slightly down in the last 10 kilometres before the closing kilometre is a false flat. In other words, perfect for the likes of Michael Matthews.

By the way, Cadel Evans took the Campbelltown stage in 2014.

Checker Hil is the only hurdle in today’s route, crested after 25 kilometres. The 2.1 kilometres climb goes up witn an average 5.5%. Then the riders continue on rolling roads to a likely bunch sprint in Campbelltown.

Time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds lay waiting on the line.

Stage 4 in the 2017 Tour Down Under is expected to finish at around 15:30 – local time.

Results/race report 4th stage 2017 Tour Down Under.

Tour Down Under 2017 stage 4: Route maps, height profiles, and more

Click on the images to zoom

Tour Down Under 2017: 5 riders to watch - Video

Who will win the first WorldTour race of 2017?

The first race of the 2017 WorldTour, the Tour Down Under , begins next Tuesday, January 17, with riders testing their legs in the People’s Choice Classic criterium two days beforehand.

Bennett and McCarthy to support Sagan at Tour Down Under

2017 Tour Down Under race preview

Orica-Scott confirm Chaves and Gerrans for Tour Down Under

Riders head out for Tour Down Under training rides - Gallery

How to follow the 2017 Tour Down Under

Tour Down Under: Climber friendly parcours sees Hansen on team duty

With the majority of teams having confirmed their line-ups for the Australian race, and many riders already in Adelaide, Cyclingnews has picked its five riders to watch for this year’s race. With the top three overall from 2016, four former winners and numerous stage winners lining up in Adelaide, a quality field of riders have chosen to make their season debuts at the Australian race.

Simon Gerrans has won the Tour Down Under four times and again leads the Orica-Scott team, with support from Esteban Chaves, while Caleb Ewan will also fight for stage victories. Gerrans finished second in the Australian national championships and is looking to make history by being only the second rider to win back-to-back editions of the season-opener.

Richie Porte (BMC) has often been Gerrans' biggest rival and has finished second for the last two years. He finished his 2016 season early after crashing out of the Rio Olympics and is BMC's team leader for the Tour de France, but will surely want to show himself early in the season before heading to Europe.

World champion Peter Sagan returns to Australia after a seven-year absence and will make his debut with new team Bora-hansgrohe at the Tour Down Under. Sagan has been training in Australia since December 27 and will surely be a contender in the sprint stages and perhaps for overall victory.

It will be fascinating to see how Lachlan Morton (Dimension Data) fares on his return to WorldTour racing after two seasons at a lower level in the USA. Morton fell out of love with cycling but is ready to return and could be an overall threat at the Tour Down Under.

Geraint Thomas has been a regular at the Tour Down Under over the last few seasons and makes his seventh consecutive appearance this year. With Sergio Henao also in the strong Team Sky line-up, Thomas will share leadership but could still be a contender before he begins to focus on the Giro d’Italia – his major goal of 2017.

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

For details of all the riders on the 2017 Tour Down Under start list, click here.

To subscribe to the Cyclingnews YouTube channel, click here

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Born in Ireland to a cycling family and later moved to the Isle of Man, so there was no surprise when I got into the sport. Studied sports journalism at university before going on to do a Masters in sports broadcast. After university I spent three months interning at Eurosport, where I covered the Tour de France. In 2012 I started at Procycling Magazine, before becoming the deputy editor of Procycling Week. I then joined Cyclingnews, in December 2013.

Lotte Kopecky to skip Tour de France Femmes after Olympics, SD Worx confirm

Absence of Cyclocross World Cup in US 'a step back' but could boost USCX

USA Cycling lifts team rule, allows 27 former NCL riders in Pro Road Nationals

Most Popular